A VIP screening for producer and composer Lebo M’s “Lebo M: Legacy in Motion” took an unexpected turn Thursday night, shifting from a celebration of his career to a public dispute. During a preview of his upcoming docu-reality series, Last Woman Standing, Morake publicly labeled veteran sportscaster Robert Marawa a “high-profile deadbeat” dad, igniting a swift and forceful response from Marawa.
The event, held at Nu Metro Hyde Park, drew a star-studded crowd including radio personality Tbo Touch, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, actress Lillian Dube, radio presenter Penny Lebyane, author Bongani Luvalo, and members of the musical group Kwela Tebza. However, it was a segment within Last Woman Standing that quickly dominated the conversation, sparking a debate about public airing of private grievances and financial responsibility.
The Accusation and Its Context
Morake’s comments stemmed from a discussion about his past relationships and the financial burdens often shouldered by partners with children from previous relationships. He specifically referenced his former partner, actress Zoe Mthiyane, and her child with Marawa. According to reports, Morake claimed he financially supported Mthiyane’s child while the couple lived in Australia during a production of The Lion King. “I was in Australia with Zoe doing The Lion King play, and I can inform you that woman had nothing in her account because she used all her money supporting her child which she shares with Robert,” Morake said in the screened segment. He further stated that Marawa was aware of his financial contributions but “not a single cent” came from the sportscaster.
Morake punctuated the accusation with a personal mantra: “Wherever my sperm goes, my cheque follows.” This statement, intended to highlight his commitment to supporting children he fathers, has drawn criticism for its bluntness and perceived insensitivity.
Marawa’s Response and Past Relationship Dynamics
Marawa responded sharply to the accusation, stating, “[I] wasn’t aware that he’s the mother to my kid! He loves attention, that one, and he mustn’t endeavor me. I’m not using my son or myself to promote his stupid reality shows!” This response, reported by News Directory 3, indicates a strong denial of the claims and a frustration with what he perceives as a publicity stunt.
The history between Mthiyane and both Marawa and Morake is complex. Mthiyane and Marawa split in 2012, and she later began a relationship with Morake while touring with The Lion King. Despite an engagement and the birth of a daughter, the couple separated in 2016, leading to a public dispute and a R6m defamation suit filed by Morake against Mthiyane in 2016, according to multiple reports.
In 2023, Mthiyane publicly reflected on her relationships with both men, describing her time with Morake as a “downward spiral” marked by legal battles and arrests. She credited Marawa with being a protector during her early career, while also stating she based an abusive character in the television series Generations: The Legacy on her experiences with Morake, saying, “I even dipped into my personal experience and channelled him.”
Morake’s History and the Screening’s Broader Scope
Morake’s personal life has frequently been the subject of public attention. He has been married four times, engaged multiple times, and his current wife, Nomoya Refiloe Dube, represents his fifth marriage. The screening at Nu Metro Hyde Park was intended to showcase Morake’s broader creative endeavors, including Lebo M Live with Hans Zimmer, the African Icons Tribute Concert, and the Life, Love & Legacy docu-reality series. However, the controversy surrounding the “deadbeat dad” comment overshadowed these projects.
Guests at the screening were reportedly divided on Morake’s comments, with some praising his willingness to address financial accountability and support for women and children, while others criticized him for airing personal matters publicly and potentially involving a child in the dispute.
The incident raises questions about the boundaries between personal life and public image, particularly for figures who choose to document their experiences through reality television. As the fallout continues, it remains to be seen how this public dispute will impact the relationships involved and the reception of Morake’s upcoming projects.
The situation highlights the increasing tendency for personal disputes among public figures to play out on public platforms, and the complex dynamics of co-parenting and financial responsibility. Further statements from both Marawa and Mthiyane are anticipated as the story develops.
